I just built #1 on a astroid. Built the base and used drills attached on top to bore up to desired height. Worked great. Just need to figure out how to control it when not seated (on xbox)
I think the last option with the connector has the greatest automatic potential. However I would suggest using merge blocks instead of connectors to eliminate the drift problem
I say use the inchworm method to build the columns, make a blueprint module. You will need also merge blocks so that you can project the blueprint on the pillar grid. Stack more pistons. Then I suggest that you use the wheel method maybe with 4 pillars. You can add a couple of thrusters for boost when you start going up or you want to stop at bottom.
Option 3 seems easier to produce. I think you can set up a 1x2 pillar where half is conveyor pipe & the other half is blast door with connectors at preset distances connected to the pipe. With a wider pillar, you could have 2 wheels per side & cancel out the spinning. You may have to do 1x3 for wheel placement if the wheels don't fit next to each other.. Just what came to mind for me🤔👍